If you’ve ever wondered whether vaping is really that different from smoking, you’re not alone. While smoking burns material outright, vaping heats it just enough to release vapor—whether you’re using a Dry Herb Vaporizer for flower or a Wax Vaporizer for concentrates. But does that difference actually matter?
In my latest experiment, I put vaping and smoking head-to-head in a $10,000 test to uncover the truth. From chemical analysis to real-world effects, I wanted to see just how these two habits compare. The results? Well, let’s just say they might change the way you think about both.
Since not everyone prefers video, I’m leaving a full transcript of the experiment below. Whether you’re a smoker, a vaper, or just curious, dive in and see the results!
Find a full video transcript here.
Transcript:
What’s really happening when you vape or smoke? It’s not just about the feeling—it’s about how heat transforms everything, from the flavors you taste to the way the experience unfolds. And the differences might surprise you.
Here at TVape, we are avid connoisseurs of Vaporizers. We’ve tested and reviewed them for over a decade. Along the way, we’ve seen myths spread, trends come and go, and one question always resurfaces: what happens after you die? No. That’s the question we ask after we’ve been testing for a while. The real question is, How does vapor really compare to smoke?
Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: This video is based on our observations, testing, and community feedback. We will source any research we find that is relevant and overall adds value educationally. We are not medical professionals, and nothing here is medical advice. If you have health concerns, always consult a licensed healthcare provider. This video won’t be published in scientific journals, but we hope it can help people understand the differences with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Now, how are we going to accomplish this? First, we will review some key differences between the two heating methods and then show you an interesting live experiment we did, so stick around.
Difference in Heat Methods – Smoke
First, let’s talk about the most obvious difference: what happens to your herb during each heating method. Smoke is produced when any material reaches its point of combustion, and it is a byproduct of the intense heat required to reach that point. The word Vaping, on the other hand, comes from the term vaporization, which happens at a lower temperature point than combustion does. And yes there will be test at the end. So take notes!
So that’s pretty straightforward, but what about the process? Well, when it comes to smoking herbs, it’s the most well-known and classic method—it’s been around for centuries, and was invented by the prophets Cheech and Chong. And it’s what most people think of when they imagine using dry herbs. Here’s how it works: When you light your herb on fire, it combusts, creating smoke. This smoke contains many chemicals, including the sought-after terpenes and other active compounds.
It also does have some pros in terms of usage. It’s straightforward and requires no special equipment (just a lighter and something to smoke out of). The effects hit quickly, which many people enjoy. Although maybe not quicker than vaping, which we will talk about later. But it is a familiar, ritualistic experience that many users still enjoy. It’s the classic. It’s the go to. It’s the “it ain’t broke so don’t fix it.”
Vaporization: The Modern Approach
Now what about vaporization, whats the actual difference? Well, Instead of heating the material until smoke comes out, a vaporizer heats it to a temperature that’s hot enough to release the active compounds but not hot enough to cause combustion. Here, a study found on Pubmed Central states that Vaporizing dry herbs has been found to avoid producing undesired toxic pyrolytic compounds or by-products and reduce exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), thereby potentially lowering risks of respiratory hazards as compared with inhaling smoke.Vaporizers heat herbs to specific temperatures (usually between 180°C and 220°C or 356°F and 428°F). This releases vapor instead of smoke which has tons of active compounds such as terpenes. Since there’s no combustion, there’s no smoke. Just Vapor. Which actually sounds like a great slogan. If you are a vaporizer company you can have that. Just credit me every single time you say it. And give me 50% of your profits. I think that seems reasonable.
At the end of the day, neither smoked nor vaporized herbs or concentrates can be considered healthy in the traditional sense—both involve inhaling substances into your lungs, which always carries some level of risk. However, each method has its own unique pros and cons. Combustion from smoke provides a sense of tradition, while vaporizing can provide a more flavorful alternative with potentially fewer harmful byproducts. The choice ultimately comes down to what fits your lifestyle, preferences, and priorities.
Preparing a Vaporizer vs. Preparing a Pre-Roll
One of the biggest differences between vapor and smoke is how you prepare for a session. Whether I’m smoking or vaping I decorate decorate the my room and my self in traditional Native American Iconography and light 2000 candles. Smoke produced, particularly using a pre-roll, is a simple and familiar process. Many users appreciate the ritual of grinding their herb, rolling it, and lighting it up. This method is deeply rooted in tradition and offers a sense of nostalgia for long-time consumers. The process itself is quick and requires minimal equipment.
Vaporizers, on the other hand, introduce a learning curve that can feel overwhelming at first. Especially if you are Craig our Cameraman. Most of you won’t have too much trouble with it, but Craig is the kinda guy who has trouble with very basic things. He has called me three times this month for locking himself out of his apartment. The last time I didn’t answer. He needs to learn. Haven’t heard from him since. We had to move on. Good luck craig! Unlike regular combustion methods, where you can simply light and inhale, using a vaporizer requires a few extra steps.
Additionally, vaporizers require temperature settings, which allow for more customization but also demand a basic understanding of how heat affects the active components in your herbs. *More on this later* While this does require a small learning curve and can initially be a hurdle, many users find that once they become accustomed to the process, the benefits—better efficiency, smoother inhalation, and customizable experiences—far outweigh the effort.
Ultimately, the choice between preparing traditional methods such as pre-rolls or water pieces and using a vaporizer comes down to preference. Traditional methods offer a sense of immediacy and simplicity, while vaping provides precision, efficiency, and a more controlled experience. While vaporizers take some getting used to, those who make the transition often appreciate this method’s added flexibility and long-term benefits. Over time, the preparation process for vaping becomes second nature, and users enjoy the ability to fine-tune their sessions to meet their needs. So don’t turn your nose up at vaping because you have to learn a little bit. Knowledge is power! That’s what my teachers used to tell me anyway. But they all drove shitty cars and ate the same lunch everyday. So. Take that with a grain of salt.
Now, don’t just take my word for it. To ensure we werent being biased, we conducted a survey to see if users truly did notice a difference after purchasing a vaporizer. Well, 92% of participants agreed that they experienced a positive impact after switching to vaporizers. Also, 86% agreed that they felt much better after vaporizing compared to smoking. Now, that in itself is interesting enough, but vaporizers have another slight advantage that I mentioned before: Customization. But what does that mean for you? Well, we need to dive a little deeper into what options vaporizers can offer.
Advanced Vaporization Methods: Conduction vs. Convection vs. Induction
One of the greatest advantages of vapor over smoke is the ability to choose from different heating methods, which offer varying effects and experiences. It’s like the subway sandwiches of methods. You can have the same thing but maybe today you wanna add some hot peppers. Changes the who experience. Do not put hot peppers in your vape. Vaporizers generally fall into three main categories: conduction, convection, and induction. Others offer some variation between them, but understanding these 3 is more than enough.
Conduction Heating
Conduction vaporizers heat herbs directly with a heated surface, typically a metal or ceramic plate or even a coil. This method provides rapid heat-up times and consistent vapor production, making it ideal for those who prefer quick, efficient sessions. However, conduction heating can sometimes result in uneven vaporization, requiring users to stir their material occasionally to prevent charring or wasted product.
- Best for: Users who want a fast, hard-hitting session with minimal wait time.
- Pros: Fast heat-up, strong vapor production, energy-efficient.
- Cons: Potential for uneven heating, requires stirring, more risk of combustion at higher temperatures.
Convection Heating
Convection vaporizers heat dry herbs or concentrates by circulating hot air around the material rather than directly touching it. This method allows for more even heat distribution, ensuring that the active ingredients are extracted efficiently without burning. Convection heating tends to produce smoother, more flavorful vapor and is often preferred by those who want to experience the full spectrum of a strain’s terpene profile.
- Best for: Flavor enthusiasts and those who prefer longer more controlled sessions.
- Pros: Even heating, better flavor preservation, more efficient use of material.
- Cons: Slightly longer heat-up time, requires more power, generally more expensive devices.
Induction Heating
Induction heating is seen less frequently but is still an advanced vaporization method you might find in some bigger units. It uses electromagnetic energy to generate heat within the material rather than externally applying heat. So it’s…magic. This results in highly efficient, uniform heating with precise temperature control. Induction vaporizers are rare but are gaining popularity due to their ability to produce dense, flavorful vapor while minimizing waste.
- Best for: Those who want the most technologically advanced experience with ultimate control.
- Pros: Highly efficient, consistent heating, no risk of combustion, precise temperature control.
- Cons: Expensive, limited availability, requires more power.
Each heating method provides a unique experience, allowing users to customize their sessions to suit their needs. Those who prioritize quick, powerful hits may prefer conduction heating, while flavor chasers and efficiency seekers might lean toward convection. Meanwhile, induction heating offers a unique and very interesting way of effectively heating your material.
Alright, now there is another piece to the puzzle. Vaporizers also offer further customization of temperature settings, which is likely the main reason these methods are so different. So, let’s talk about it.
Temperature Control
To produce smoke, dry herbs are burned at very high temperatures, an intense heat that will likely combust all extracts at once, offering no flexibility in how they are released. I also have this problem. But, for…different reasons. It happens to everyone sometimes. It just happens to me a lot. In contrast, vaporizers allow users to set specific temperature ranges, influencing the intensity and duration of effects while optimizing extraction.
Temperature control in vaping is crucial because different extracts respond differently to heat, meaning users can fine-tune their sessions to experience different results. Lower temperature settings produce a more manageable, milder experience with smoother vapor and subtle effects. Higher temperatures maximize extraction, creating a stronger and more immediate response. Unlike traditional methods, which combusts everything at once, vaping allows for this gradual customization, empowering users to dial in their ideal session based on personal preference.
Temperature control also plays a major role in efficiency. But more on that later, for now, let’s go even deeper into the differences in flavor.
Flavor Profiles
This is a big deal for many, and it’s one area where smoke and vapor can feel very different. From my experience, vaporizers tend to bring out more flavor in herbs than traditional methods. But I’ve also noticed that not all vaporizers are the same—some deliver better flavor than others. So, how does that work?
Well, think of terpenes as the natural compounds in any plant that give each strain its unique taste and aroma. They’re like the herbs and spices in your favorite dish. When smoking, the high temperatures from combustion can destroy many of these terpenes before you even get to taste them. Which is pretty much sums up how my ex used to cook.
Conversely, vaporizers heat your herbs at lower temperatures, which helps preserve those terpenes. But here’s where it gets interesting: you can actually customize your flavor experience by adjusting the temperature. Different compounds are released at different temperatures, so you can highlight specific flavors and effects by tweaking the heat.
Low temperatures (around 160°C to 180°C / 320°F to 356°F): This range is perfect for preserving delicate terpenes like limonene (citrusy) or pinene (piney), giving you a light, flavorful vapor with a milder effect. It’s like sipping a subtle, aromatic, and smooth tea. Which goes great with a nice vape sesh by the way!
Medium temperatures (around 180°C to 200°C / 356°F to 392°F): In this range, you’ll start to unlock more active ingredients along with a broader spectrum of terpenes. The flavor is still prominent, but the effects become more pronounced. Think of it as a balanced experience—flavorful but with a stronger kick.
High temperatures (above 200°C / 392°F): You’ll get thicker vapor at these temps, but some of the more delicate terpenes may start to break down.
That said it is still super relevant. Some people enjoy the taste that comes with combustion, and it’s a familiar experience for many. Vaporizing, while often more flavorful, can feel different and might take some getting used to. It’s also worth noting that the quality of your vaporizer matters—cheaper or poorly designed devices might not deliver the same level of flavor as vaporizers made specifically to enhance flavor.
At the end of the day, whether you prefer the rich, robust taste of smoke or the more nuanced flavors of vaporizing comes down to personal preference. Both methods have their own unique characteristics, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits your taste and lifestyle.
Onset and Duration of Effects
Of course, personal preference isn’t just about flavor—it also hinges on how quickly you want to feel the effects and how long you’d like them to last. The differences between combustion and vaporizing become especially important for those more focused on practical outcomes than taste. Practical outcomes. Wink wink. You know what I’m getting at here. I’m not saying it but you know what wink wink means.
When you inhale smoke produced by combustion—the process behind traditional methods—the effects typically begin within 2 to 10 minutes. The experience peaks around 10 to 30 minutes and usually lasts 1 to 3 hours, depending on the amount used and your tolerance. On the other hand, vaporizers heat dry herbs or concentrates at lower temperatures, creating a vapor rich in active compounds. Some studies suggest this method might lead to effects kicking in a bit faster than traditional methods—possibly because the body absorbs these compounds more efficiently. That said, it’s important to note that much of this research focuses on oil-based products, which could behave differently than loose plant material. Even with these variables, the overall duration of effects tends to align with combustion-based approaches, usually lasting 1 to 3 hours, though some users mention the effects fading slightly earlier.
Efficiency
With that said, lets get into some other key differences between these two methods.
One main topic we hear constantly is that Vaporizers are more efficient with your herbs, but what does that mean?
Studies suggest vaporizers may extract compounds more efficiently than combustion. Combustion typically happens at high temperatures (over 600°F/315°C), which can degrade certain active ingredients and result in faster consumption. For example, a small amount of herb may last 2-3 inhalations in a preroll.
On the other side we have Vaporizers since they heat herbs at lower temperatures (typically 350-430°F/175-220°C), releasing compounds without combustion. This process can extend the usable life of the same amount of herb, often yielding 4-6 inhalations depending on device quality. And just based on those numbers I know two or three guys who stand to annually save (pretend to do calculations) hundreds of millions of dollars a year.
And here’s a pro tip I learned the hard way: If you’re using a smaller conduction vaporizer, stir the herb halfway through your session. It’s like flipping a pancake—you get the golden-brown goodness on both sides instead of just heating one side of the herb.
In conclusion, Vaporizing stretches your stash further. It’s like buying a coffee maker instead of going to Starbucks every day. This efficiency is beneficial in many ways, but its biggest benefit is saving money. Wait what? Do vaporizers save money? Well, let’s talk about it.
Saving Money
Let’s be real: good vaporizers aren’t cheap. Dropping hundreds on a device feels like buying a fancy blender you’ll only use twice. But here’s the thing—vaping pays for itself.
But wait theres more… AVB. That’s the Already Vaped Bud you’re left with. It’s not garbage—it’s free edibles. Toss it in a smoothie or sprinkle it on pizza, and you’ll get a second wave of effects. My first AVB cookie had me napping so hard that I missed my own Zoom meeting. Sorry I made that sound light hearted. It was a preliminary custody hearing. It pretty much destroyed my life. GREAT cookie though.
Pro tip: The longer you vape, the more you save. It’s like a loyalty program for your lungs. And if you’re the type who loses lighters every week? Vapes don’t need ’em. Your future self will thank you when you’re not digging through couch cushions for a Bic.
Smell
Now, let’s get into an important subject I’ve heard many different opinions on. Let’s start off by being honest with ourselves. Heating herbs has a strong smell, and no matter how you are doing this, it’s something to consider—especially if you’re trying to keep things discreet.
When it comes to smoke, the smell is strong, distinct, and tends to stick around. It can cling to your clothes, furniture, and hair. I’m sure many of you have been walking around minding your own business and caught a whiff of something that signaled the 420 Brotherhood was close by. Or a skunk. So when you smell it. Use caution. Don’t just run blindly towards it.
One’s a good time. One will ruin a significant chunk of an entire week.
Vaporizing, on the other hand, is a bit more subtle. The smell is lighter and less recognizable, and it tends to fade much faster. Think of it like microwaving popcorn—there’s a hint of something, but it’s not as obvious or lingering as if you made popcorn on the stove. Great. Now I want popcorn.
We wanted to provide more than just personal experience here, so we conducted another survey in which 80% of users agreed that the effects of vaporizing do not linger indoors.
And for those of you who have ever used a vaporizer, this is common knowledge. That said, vaping isn’t completely odorless. If you’re in a small, enclosed space, like a car, someone might notice a faint, unusual smell—often described as ‘burnt popcorn.’ But with a cracked window or a fan, the vapor tends to clear out quickly. I’ve vaped in hotel rooms (not that I’m recommending it) and aired it out in just a few minutes. Smoke, on the other hand, can linger for hours and might even set off smoke alarms.
If discretion is a priority, there are ways to minimize the smell with both methods. If you want a sophisticated solution, some users find that using water filters can help. If you want to go all out, the Iceborn uses water and ice to really smooth your vapor, which will capture more of the odor. For smoke, though, the smell is harder to control, and it often requires more effort to cover up.
Which one works better for you depends on your situation and how much you value staying under the radar.
Health Considerations:
Beyond efficiency and cost, personal priorities like discretion or health concerns may influence your choice between vapor or smoke. However, health considerations remain a complex and often debated aspect of both methods.
It’s important to clarify upfront: This discussion is not medical advice and research on long-term effects is ongoing. That said, perceived differences between vapor and smoke are worth examining—not to endorse one method over the other, but to contextualize common questions and concerns. When it comes to health, these methods are often compared, but it’s important to note that neither is entirely risk-free. So don’t think that whether you are smoking or vaping you are being healthy. Think about what you’ve eaten over the last couple of days. If it’s doritos and pop tarts, you are going to want to address that first. Then start worrying about this. Both involve inhaling substances into your lungs, which can carry potential concerns. However, some key differences exist in how these two methods are perceived regarding health. Also, remember, nothing I say is scientific fact and should not be used as medical advice.
Combustion produces smoke at higher temperatures, which may generate more byproducts compared to vaporization. Many users report smoke as harsher on the throat than vapor, leading to a common perception that smoke is potentially more irritating. While more research is definitely needed, anecdotal experiences often characterize vaping as a smoother alternative due to its lower-temperature heating process and absence of smoke. This doesn’t mean, however, that it is “healthier”. Are we clear? We are not saying it’s healthier. There is no proof that it is healthier.
This is where the comparison becomes intriguing. To better understand the differences between vaping and the product of combustion, we conducted a visual experiment using a synthetic lung model. The goal was to simulate the inhalation of vapor and combusted material, allowing us to observe the residue and byproducts left behind by each method. It’s important to note that this experiment does not directly represent what occurs in the human body, as the biological processes involved are far more complex. However, it provides a visual comparison of the byproducts generated by a similar amount of material when subjected to the two different heating processes.
The Experiment:
Comparison of Materials
For this experiment, we compared the impact of vaporizing 0.375 grams of concentrates using the Utillian 8 e-rig versus 7 grams of dry herb through a traditional water pipe. The reason for this specific comparison is potency. This concentrate has an active compound concentration of 83.1%, whereas the dry herb contains only 6.2% active compounds on average. This means that just 1 gram of concentrate is equivalent to 13.3 grams of dry herb in terms of potency. If you didn’t know that, then yes. That’s why you’ve been getting so high. Mystery solved. Using these amounts, we aimed to create a fair comparison that reflects real-world usage scenarios. We are also using water filtration, which is known to reduce the amount of toxic substances you inhale.
Devices Used
On the vaporizing side, we used the Utilian 8 e-rig, a device known for its 3D heating chamber and Burst Hit technology, which ensures consistent vapor production. Conversely, we used a traditional water pipe, a common method for combusting dry herbs.
Results: Residue and Impurities
After the synthetic lung model processed each session, we observed a striking difference in the residue left behind.
When using dry herbs in the lung model, the cotton inside accumulated a thick, dark residue, resembling the byproducts often associated with traditional cigarette smoke. This buildup illustrates the potential impurities that can result from combustion. Remember when your teacher showed you the picture of that black lung to show you how gross it was and it scarred you for life. Just like that. Only for me when my teacher showed me that it was in the 90s, so they were smoking at the time. The visual serves as a representation of the particulate matter that may be produced during combustion, offering insight into the process and its effects.
On the vaporizing side, the results were noticeably different. The cotton showed only minimal residue, significantly cleaner than the pre roll side. The difference was clear—vaporizing produced far fewer impurities and harmful byproducts.
Research has long documented the negative health effects of combustion, from lung irritation to chronic respiratory issues. Our experiment visually supports the notion that smoke leaves behind significantly more residue, which may contribute to long-term lung stress. While this doesn’t mean vaping is entirely risk-free, it does highlight a key difference between the two methods.
Maintenance Considerations: Vapor vs Smoke
Beyond health effects, another factor that often goes unnoticed is maintenance and cleanliness. This factor does not go unnoticed in people. Take a show and put on a nice shirt. Respect yourself.
The residue buildup we got from smoke inside the water pipe was substantial. The tar-like substance left behind can be difficult to remove and may require frequent cleaning to maintain functionality. Over time, this buildup can contribute to a less enjoyable experience as the device becomes harder to use and less efficient.
In contrast, the Utilian 8 e-rig required minimal cleaning. Vaporizing is potentially cleaner and more efficient, which can make the cleaning process easier due to less residue to clean up.
Overall Message
As we’ve explored throughout this video, both smoke and vapor have their own unique characteristics, and the choice between them ultimately comes down to what fits your lifestyle, preferences, and priorities.
Smoking offers a traditional, ritualistic experience that many users find familiar and satisfying. The effects are fast-acting, and the process is straightforward, requiring minimal equipment. However, it also requires higher temperatures, which produce byproducts that can leave behind residue. The smell is strong and tends to linger, which may be a concern for those who value discretion. There are however people who do not give a shit, and wear the smell like a badge. These people are generally know as “cool guys.”
On the other hand, vaping provides a more modern approach, with smoother inhalation, customizable temperature settings, and the ability to preserve more of the herb’s flavor and potency. Vaporizing produces less residue and odor, possibly making it a cleaner, more discreet alternative. However, vaping does come with a learning curve, and the initial investment in a quality vaporizer can be steep for some, even though you will make your money back in time.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of this controversial topic. I hope this video has given you some clarity. If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content like this. And as always, keep vaping.
Sources
https://torontovaporizer.ca/learn/save-money-with-vaporizers.html
